For many years, the Big Wheel has been a popular choice of attraction for kids. It's possible that you rode it when you were young and are now thinking about buying it for your child. However, many people will also advise you to purchase a tricycle at the same time. If you actually find yourself in such a contentious theory, then knowing the differences between the Big Wheel and Tricycle will help you decide which one to pick.
So what are the differences between a big wheel vs tricycle? Big Wheels also have three wheels, which technically makes them tricycles. It means they do not have notable differences. However, Big Wheel has a larger front wheel, wider rear tires, and a low base, which separates the brand from any other traditional tricycle.
The brief answer may not be enough to make a decision yet. Hence, I recommend reading the article to the end. I will discuss the key features that make Big Wheel different and will help you decide whether it is the best option for your kid or not.
About Big Wheel Tricycles: A Short Overview
Big Wheel is a tricycle manufacturing company. It first manufactured a tricycle during the 1960s, and the model became extremely popular among kids.
Although the company patented the name “Big Wheel,” due to its popularity, people started calling any tricycles manufactured at that time big wheels.
Technically speaking, there shouldn't be any significant differences between a Big Wheel and a tricycle. But still, why do people wonder about the differences between these rides?
The simple answer is their distinguishable features. Although Big Wheel manufactures tricycles, they follow a particular style that differentiates them from all the other tricycles.
Big Wheel tricycles have cool-looking larger wheels and a lower base. The style was so well-liked that it eventually became the norm for many tricycles made today. A lot of companies today modify the original design by adding extra features, but the basic and original key features remain the same.
Hence, the difference between a Big Wheel and traditional tricycles is only those key features. The rest of the features are not constant and vary from model to model.
Big Wheel Vs Tricycle: Quick Comparison Chart
Features | Big Wheel | Tricycle |
Base | Low | Low to High |
Seat | Adjustable | Adjustable & non-adjustable |
Front-wheel | Large | Small to large |
Rear tires | Wider | Generally narrow with some wider |
Speed | High | Moderate |
Big Wheel Vs Tricycle: Key Differences
The table talked about the distinguishable features I talked about earlier. Here are the detailed differences between Tricycles and Big Wheels:
1. Bigger Wheels
One of the most noticeable features of the Big Wheel is its bigger wheels. While most tricycles have average size wheels based on their construction, the Big Wheel has a larger wheel that gives it a different look from the traditional tricycles.
The interesting matter is that not all the wheels on Big Wheels are the same size. Usually, traditional tricycles will have three wheels of the same size. But Big Wheels have a larger wheel on the front and two smaller but wider wheels on the rear.
2. Low-Ride Seat
Compared to conventional tricycles, which have seats that are at normal heights, Big Wheels have a lower base and seat. The low-ride seat is the result of smaller rear wheels. The seat is closer to the ground because the front wheel is bigger and the rear wheels are smaller.
However, the handlebar on the front is at a normal height, similar to most other tricycles. The Big Wheel also has back support on the seat like other rides. But the difference is that the back support is adjustable.
You can move it back and forth to suit kids of different sizes. But in traditional tricycles, the back support is usually in a fixed position.
3. Higher Speed
The BigWheel has a higher speed due to its larger wheels. The bigger front wheel may take a while to catch up to the top speed, but once it reaches the highest speed, it runs faster than any traditional tricycle.
When a father and son raced with the Big Wheel vs Razor Trike Bike, the Big Wheel easily won the race. It proves how fast the Big Wheel is.
Benefits of a Big Wheel Tricycle:
These were a few of the distinguishing characteristics of the Big Wheel that set it apart from conventional tricycles. But are they any good?
The following are some advantages of Big Wheel tricycles:
- Stability: One of the main reasons why the Big Wheel design is still popular today is its stability. Due to having two wider tires on the rear, it remains stable regardless of what surface you ride.
- Sturdy construction: It also has a quite sturdy construction that lasts a long time. One of our friends bought a Big Wheel for his kid, and then a few adults also rode it. The good thing was the tricycle remained in good condition at the end of the day.
- Safety: One of the key factors to consider while buying anything for toddlers or kids is safety. The unique construction of the wheel, the customizability of the seat, and the low-ride design make Big Wheel pretty safe.
- Comfortability: Big Wheel tricycles are quite comfortable due to having an adjustable seat. Even when your kids grow taller, you can adjust the seat to make them comfortable.
Big Wheel Tricycles : A Safe Option for Toddlers
Are Big Wheel tricycles safe for kids to ride? Yes. Big Wheel tricycles are a good and safe option for toddlers and kids. Besides, consumer groups said it is a safer alternative to traditional tricycles.
However, does it prove that Big Wheel tricycles are better than all other tricycles available today? Necessarily not. Today, tricycles come with a lot of features and functions that make them safe and exciting to ride.
Besides, a lot of other brands follow the design of the Big Wheel for their tricycles. In conclusion, Big Wheel tricycles are unquestionably a good choice, but there are other excellent choices as well.
Are Big Wheels Easier to Ride?
Yes. The Big Wheel tricycle has a lower base that makes it easier to ride, even for shorter toddlers. There is usually no concern about feet not reaching the ground.
Do Big Wheels Still Exist?
Yes. Schylling, Inc. has owned the Big Wheel brand since 2021. Although a lot of other companies make tricycles following the Big Wheel design with some modifications, the original Big Wheel is still available in the market.
How Tall do You Need to be to Ride a Big Wheel?
You do not need to be tall to ride a Big Wheel. It has a lower base with an adjustable seat where kids of any height can sit and ride.
What age rides a Big Wheel?
A Big Wheel should be used between the ages of 3 and 8. However, toddlers can ride the Big Wheel once they turn 2 years old. Even though they might find it challenging to pedal, they can still play with it and learn to ride.
Why is it Called a Big Wheel?
There is no concrete evidence of why the owners named their tricycle brand “Big Wheel.” However, our best guess is that it is due to the bigger wheels. This is what makes them different from other tricycles.
Conclusion
Finally, between a tricycle and a big wheel, which should you purchase? Well, I believe that after reading this guide, you can buy anything for your child. Make sure the choice you make is safe for them and appropriate for their age. However, if you prefer Big Wheel, you can also look at some other brands that use a similar design. For example, Radio Flyer produces tricycles that are comparable to Big Wheels but have more appealing designs and features.